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Do you want to decrease your electricity bill? If so, you’ve come to the right place. It’s easier than you think to save money — and you’ll also create a more sustainable household as a result. From thermostats to lightbulbs and everything in between, you can explore many options.

Here’s a look at a few top tips for an energy-efficient house.

1. Reduce Vampire Power

There’s a common concept called “vampire” or “phantom” power. This situation happens whenever you leave items like phone chargers plugged into your outlets. These cords always use electricity — even when you remove your device.

All you’ll need to fix your problem are a few power strips. Insert multiple cables into your power strips. Then, you can switch them off when you don’t need to use your devices. It’s impossible to eliminate all invisible power, but your effort will still make a difference.

2. Seal Cracks and Gaps

It doesn’t matter where you live. If your windows and doors have cracks and gaps, your HVAC system must work harder to keep your house at a specific temperature. These leaks make your home less energy-efficient.

Fortunately, you can seal any openings with a few simple tools. Products like weatherstripping and caulk create a barrier that keeps out cold air in the winter and warm air in the summer. Take a weekend to apply the sealant, which should quickly reduce your energy bill.

It’s also smart to look at places like your basement, garage, and attic. These areas might need extra insulation so they maintain a moderate temperature. This project requires more time and labor, but you can only benefit.

3. Try a Low-Flow Shower Head

Many items on the market reduce water waste. If you like to take long showers, you should install a low-flow shower head. This replacement will limit how much water you use so you can enjoy a less expensive water bill. Plus, your energy consumption should decrease since you don’t have to use as much heat for hot water.

4. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Do you have an old thermostat? These devices aren’t ideal for energy efficiency. That’s because they often run too sporadically and heat unused rooms. If you want to reserve electricity, you should consider a programmable thermostat.

These devices let users assign schedules, which only allows your HVAC system to run when necessary. For example, you might be at work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you don’t want your heat to run at 75 degrees all day. If you installed a programmable thermostat, your system would automatically lower the temperature during your work hours.

Consider a programmable thermostat to help you save money.

5. Consider Window Replacements

If your home has old windows, you might need to consider replacements. There are instances where your best bet will be to start from scratch. It’s not always possible to seal every crevice, so you should know when to put your money toward new windows.

Look for options with Energy Start ratings so you know how much energy they can save. Be sure to do your research, too. It might take time before you find a suitable pick, but you definitely don’t want to invest in windows that aren’t as energy-efficient as possible.

6. Reverse Ceiling Fans

If you have ceiling fans, you’ll want to know how to use them to your advantage. These devices should rotate counterclockwise during the summer to push cool air down to the room. If your area experiences cold weather, you should reverse your ceiling fans to spin clockwise during the winter. This way, you can redirect warm air down to the room.

It’s a simple trick that might help you use your heater and air conditioner a little less.

7. Use LED Lightbulbs

If you still use incandescent lightbulbs, you should make the switch to LEDs. These alternatives use much less energy and they last longer, too. LEDs also come in various colors, so you can find everything from a shade that mimics daylight to a bright white that works for projects.

There are many LED types available, so you should be able to locate options for different light fixtures in your house. Remember to turn off your lights when you don’t need them. LEDs save electricity — but not when they’re switched on all the time.

8. Wash Clothes With Cold Water

How often do you wash your clothes with cold water? It might be second-nature to use warm or hot water. However, you should unlearn your habits, because cold water will lower your energy bill. It’s also a smart way to help your clothes last longer.

Keep in mind that you’ll still sometimes need to use warm or hot water. If you just had a cold or spotted a stain, you should use higher temperatures so you can kill any remaining germs. Do your best otherwise to wash with cold water only.

If you want to take things a step further, you can always dry your clothes on a clothesline to save even more energy.

9. Conduct an Energy Audit

If you feel like you’ve tried everything to no avail, you might want to conduct an audit. This process involves a professional coming to your home to evaluate where and how you can save energy. These inspectors can also point out areas where you might need to make repairs.

It costs money to have an energy audit done, but you should also look at the other side. If you spend a few hundred dollars, you’ll recoup your initial expenses after you fix your home’s weak points. This effort eventually helps you save money, so you should look at an energy audit as an investment.

Use These Tricks to Create a More Energy-Efficient Household

There are two main reasons to make your house more energy-efficient. Through a few actions and quick fixes, you can save money on your utilities and support the planet’s health. Try these solutions to get started. It won’t be long before you see significant improvements.